Ideal chance for Flintoff to claim the starring role

Despite the loss of captain Michael Vaughan, England are confident of reaching the NatWest Series final by defeating Bangladesh today, writes Simon Wilde

ENGLAND will be without Michael Vaughan for the second time in four days when they take on Bangladesh at Headingley today. The captain will sit out the game as a precaution against aggravating the groin strain he picked up fielding at Nottingham.

In his absence, Marcus Trescothick will again lead the side. Presumably, if he wins the toss this morning under heavily overcast skies, he will opt to bat, only this time — unlike in Durham, where he gave Australia first use of a good batting pitch — it probably won’t matter.

Bangladesh should be vanquished come what may, to ensure that next Saturday’s NatWest Series final is contested between England and Australia.

If Vaughan’s absence was bad news, the good news was that Simon Jones has rejoined the squad and was made available for selection today.

There must be a good chance Jones will play. It would be an ideal opportunity